To strengthen the community’s preparedness and response to sudden earthquakes amid the frequent tremors happening in the Philippines, Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP), through its Crisis Management Committee (CMC), in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Cabanatuan City, conducted its first university-wide earthquake drill on October 16, 2025.
During the drill, the BFP personnel strategically positioned themselves across different areas of the university to observe and evaluate the response of the WUP community to the presumed earthquake scenario.
According to Mr. Renato Salvador, CMC Chair, the initiative highlighted the importance of readiness and discipline during emergencies.
“Ang ginagawa nating ito ay hindi madali para sa ating lahat, pero ‘yun nga po ang esensya ng ginagawa natin. Kapag nangyari ito [ang lindol], don’t expect any comfort, don’t expect na magiging madali po ito. It’s not even katiting ng mararanasan natin kapag ito [ang lindol] ay dumating. That is why, that is the intention — at least man lang, maipakita natin ‘yung senaryo [sa pamamagitan] ng paggawa natin kung paano tayo magre-react just in case magsimula ang earthquake,” he said.
He also emphasized that the university will continue to hold similar activities to ensure the community’s preparedness and minimize casualties during actual emergencies.
“Hangga’t may nakikita kaming flaws, hangga’t may nakikita kaming hindi nasusunod doon sa mga protocols na ibinilin namin sa mga coordinator, deans, heads, and directors ng bawat opisina, gagawin pa rin po natin ito. As much as possible, we are avoiding any casualty. Kung mangyari iyon, sisikapin nating magkaroon ng zero casualty,” he added.
Following the drill, a post-evaluation meeting was held at the President’s Office Conference Room, facilitated by Dr. Abraham A. Pascua, CMC Vice Chair, together with representatives from the BFP and CMC members.
The meeting aimed to discuss the observations of the BFP for the improvement of the University’s emergency response. Additionally, the University was commended for its efforts, such as the proper use of hard hats by elementary students and the implementation of a centralized alarm system.
The CMC then affirmed its commitment to conduct more earthquake drills and implement extra measures to ensure the safety of the University community in similar emergency situations.
by Ayumi San Cai Valerio (PIO)
Photo Courtesy of John Carlo Dauz (PIO)
